'LetterLand Why's everyone crazy about local newsletters?
5 snips
Jun 25, 2025 
TJ Larkin, founder and operator of multiple local newsletters, shares insights on the booming trend of local media. He discusses whether local newsletters are a sustainable business or just a fad, warning against half-hearted side hustles. With tips on monetization strategies and the importance of engaging content, TJ highlights who should consider starting a newsletter. He also emphasizes the role of community involvement and social media for success, suggesting that local newsletters could thrive even amid changing media landscapes.
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How TJ Got Started And Scaled
- TJ started one newsletter locally and then expanded to neighbouring towns after requests to help others.
- He runs between four and eleven newsletters and is launching more this year.
Local Newsletters Can Be Real Businesses
- Local newsletters can reach low-six-figure revenue and a few people make multiple six figures in small towns.
- Success requires focus, location fit, and treating it as a real business, not a weekend side-hustle.
Pair A Newsletter With A High-LTV Local Business
- Build a newsletter as a vehicle for an existing high-LTV local business rather than relying only on direct newsletter revenue.
- Realtors, roofers, and insurance brokers are ideal because each sale yields large lifetime value.